Hexagon is launching Metrical, an automated queuing, loading, and unloading system for autonomous inspection of parts of all sizes on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)
The solution has been designed to address the global shortage of skilled inspection labour and the need to increase output without adding operators.
Jörg Deller, vice president, product technology hardware for Division Stationary Metrology at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, said, “As manufacturers face tightening labour markets, increasing product complexity, and pressure to maintain 24/7 production, inspection teams are often forced to balance high-value metrology work with repetitive manual loading tasks. Metrical removes that bottleneck by automating part handling and enabling more continuous measurement cycles with minimal human oversight.”
Metrical integrates with Hexagon’s latest and existing CMM portfolio, including the new Maestro CMM and Global CMMs, enabling manufacturers to extend automation across new and already installed equipment.
Designed for high-volume, continuous inspection
Metrical supports automated measurement workflows, enabling parts to be queued, loaded, measured, and unloaded across several shifts. This increases CMM utilisation and inspection capacity while allowing skilled operators to focus on programming, analysis, and process optimisation.
Benefits include:
- Increased CMM throughput, utilisation, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Reduced dependency on scarce, skilled inspection labour
- Enabling off-shift, unattended inspection operations
- Improved workforce allocation and operator productivity
- Flexible automation for evolving production demand
Scalable configurations for changing inspection volumes
Available in three configurations of three, five, or seven preparation bays, Metrical can adapt to different production volumes and factory layouts. Its modular approach enables manufacturers to scale automation incrementally, matching inspection capacity to changing demand.
The system supports rapid deployment and configuration, helping manufacturers begin automated inspection shortly after installation, without lengthy integration cycles.
Turning idle time into productive capacity
Reducing idle time between measurement cycles enables Metrical to help manufacturers to maximise CMM capacity across shifts while maintaining inspection quality.
The system is designed to improve:
- Machine utilisation by shortening inspection idle time
- Workforce safety by reducing repetitive handling tasks
- Operational flexibility across shifts and product variants
Smart software for simplified automation
Metrical features an intuitive, visual software interface that simplifies task setup and inspection scheduling. Dashboard-based monitoring tools provide real-time visibility into production status, optimising CMM utilisation and workflow efficiency.
Modular fixturing streamlines reconfiguration for new parts, enabling manufacturers to adapt to evolving production requirements without complex reprogramming.
